Leaving your cat behind when you go on holiday can feel stressful, not just for you, but for your cat too. While cats are known for their independence, they still need mental stimulation, routine, and interaction to stay happy and healthy.
The good news? With a little planning, you can make sure your cat stays entertained, relaxed, and well cared for in your absence.
Here’s how to do it properly.
Why Entertainment Matters for Cats
Many people assume cats will simply sleep all day while they’re alone. While they do sleep a lot, long periods of boredom can lead to:
- Stress and anxiety
- Destructive behaviour
- Overeating or loss of appetite
- Increased loneliness
Keeping your cat mentally and physically stimulated is essential, especially when their usual routine (you!) is missing.
Provide a Variety of Interactive Toys
Toys are one of the easiest ways to keep your cat engaged while you’re away.
Best options include:
- Puzzle feeders (combine food + stimulation)
- Ball toys or rolling toys
- Battery-operated interactive toys
- Catnip toys for added excitement
Rotate toys every few days (if someone is visiting) to keep things feeling “new” and interesting.
Create a Cat-Friendly Viewing Spot
Cats love observing the world; it’s their version of TV.
Set up a comfortable spot near a window where your cat can:
- Watch birds and outdoor activity
- Enjoy natural sunlight
- Stay mentally stimulated throughout the day
You can enhance this by:
- Adding a window perch or soft blanket
- Placing a bird feeder outside (if possible)
This simple setup can keep your cat entertained for hours.
Use Food-Based Enrichment
Food isn’t just for eating; it’s also a great way to engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts.
Try:
- Slow feeders or puzzle bowls
- Hiding small treats around the house
- Timed automatic feeders
This encourages your cat to “work” for their food, reducing boredom and promoting natural behaviour.
Leave Background Noise for Comfort
Silence can feel unsettling for some cats, especially if they’re used to a busy home.
Leaving on:
- Soft music
- A radio
- Or even the TV
can provide a sense of normality and comfort.
There are even playlists designed specifically to calm cats!
Keep Their Environment Familiar
Cats thrive on routine and familiarity. When you’re away, keeping their environment consistent is key.
Important tips:
- Don’t rearrange furniture before leaving
- Keep their bed, litter tray, and food in the usual places
- Maintain feeding times as closely as possible
The more “normal” things feel, the less anxious your cat will be.
Arrange Regular Visits from a Cat Sitter
This is one of the most important factors; human interaction matters more than most people think.
A professional cat sitter can:
- Feed your cat and refresh water
- Clean litter trays
- Provide playtime and companionship
- Monitor health and behaviour
- Offer a reassuring human presence
For shy or anxious cats, having a calm, consistent visitor can make a huge difference in keeping them relaxed and emotionally balanced.
Add Enrichment Through the Environment
Small environmental changes can create big engagement.
Consider adding:
- Cardboard boxes (cats love hiding and exploring)
- Cat tunnels
- Climbing structures or cat trees
- Scratch posts
These give your cat opportunities to climb, scratch, and explore essential natural behaviours.
Consider Your Cat’s Personality
Not all cats are the same. What entertains one cat might not interest another.
For example:
- Playful cats → need toys and interaction
- Shy cats → prefer quiet spaces and minimal disruption
- Curious cats → enjoy climbing and exploring
Tailor your approach based on what your cat naturally enjoys.
Stay Connected While You’re Away
One of the best ways to ease your own worries is to know your cat is doing well.
Regular updates from a trusted sitter, such as:
- Photos
- Videos
- Short reports
It can give you peace of mind and reassurance that your cat is happy and entertained.
What to Avoid
To keep your cat safe and stress-free, avoid:
- Leaving them completely alone for multiple days
- Introducing new pets or major changes before leaving
- Overloading them with too many new toys at once
- Ignoring signs of stress before your trip
Preparation is everything.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your cat entertained while you’re on holiday isn’t about constant activity, it’s about creating a balanced environment that includes:
- Mental stimulation
- Physical comfort
- Familiar routines
- Gentle human interaction
When these elements are in place, your cat can stay happy, relaxed, and secure—even while you’re away.
And for many cats, staying in their own home with the right care is far less stressful than being moved to a new environment.
FAQs
- How do I keep my cat entertained when I’m away on holiday?
You can keep your cat entertained by providing interactive toys, puzzle feeders, window views, and environmental enrichment like cat trees or tunnels. Hiring a cat sitter for regular visits also helps maintain engagement and routine.
- Can I leave my cat alone while on holiday?
Cats should not be left completely alone for more than 24–48 hours. It’s best to arrange a cat sitter or someone to check in daily to provide food, clean litter, and interaction.
- Do cats get bored when left alone?
Yes, cats can get bored if left alone for long periods. Boredom may lead to stress, destructive behaviour, or changes in eating habits, so mental stimulation is important.
- What toys are best for keeping cats busy alone?
Puzzle feeders, automatic toys, ball toys, and catnip toys are great for independent play. Toys that mimic hunting behaviour are especially effective.
- Should I leave the TV or music on for my cat?
Yes, leaving soft music or TV on can provide comfort and reduce anxiety, especially for cats used to background noise.
- Is it better to leave my cat at home or in a cattery?
Most cats feel more comfortable staying in their own home, as it maintains their routine and familiar environment. A cat sitter is often less stressful than moving them to a new place.
